Lagos — Nigeria’s Super Eagles have climbed to 26th position in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, their highest placement in 16 years, following an impressive outing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The new ranking, released in January 2026, places the Eric Chelle-led side among the biggest movers globally, as Nigeria surged 12 places after finishing third at the continental tournament. The Eagles’ latest rise marks their best ranking since May 2010, when they were placed 21st in the world. Nigeria’s strong showing at AFCON 2025 also highlighted the growing competitiveness of African football, with host nation Morocco breaking into the global top 10 for the first time since 1998. During the ranking window, Nigeria played seven matches, recording six victories and one defeat. Their campaign featured a commanding 4–0 win over Mozambique in the round of 16, followed by a 2–0 quarter-final triumph against Algeria. The Super Eagles’ only loss came in the semi-final, where they were edged out by hosts Morocco on penalties after a goalless draw. They rebounded strongly in the third-place match, holding Egypt to another 0–0 draw before winning 4–2 on penalties to secure the bronze medal. FIFA confirmed that Nigeria earned 79.09 ranking points from the tournament, the highest points gain recorded by any country in the latest update, underscoring the impact of their AFCON performances. The improved ranking is expected to boost Nigeria’s global standing ahead of upcoming international competitions and reinforce confidence in the team’s rebuilding process under Chelle.
Super Eagles Rise to 26th in FIFA Rankings After AFCON 2025 Heroics
